More benches for the elderly - OmaStadi proposal from idea to implementation

Benches help the elderly to stay active

In the fall of 2021, many public and community spaces were mostly closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Kamppi service center was allowed to organise activities for small groups, and thus had the opportunity to present OmaStadi, i.e. Helsinki's participatory budgeting. Kaisa Sjöholm, who works at the Kamppi service center, encouraged customers to freely suggest what they would like to see in Helsinki.

”Many suggested benches”, says Sjöholm. 

During the pandemic, benches were removed from many places, such as grocery stores. However, they are important for older people. Being able to rest your feet may be a prerequisite for a self-guided shopping trip.

The benches were the most popular among the OmaStadi proposals at the Kamppi service center, and Sjöholm registered the idea on behalf of 82-year-old Marjatta. In the joint development phase, Marjatta's idea was combined with the idea for a wider renovation and improvement of comfort in the outdoor recreation areas of Iso Huopalahti, Pikku Huopalahti, Tali and Munkinseutu. 
 

Helsinki residents asked to give their opinion 

There was not much campaigning for the proposal, but it still received 1006 votes in OmaStadi's voting phase. According to Sjöholm, the people at the Kamppi service center tried to encourage their customers to vote by, among other things, offering support during the voting phase.

Approximately 10–20 benches will be placed in the areas of Iso Huopalahti, Pikku Huopalahti, Tali and Munkinseutu. You could share your opinion via the online survey(Link leads to external service), which was open from September 26 to October 23 2022. There were also maps in the lobbies of the Kamppi and Munkkiniemi service centers on which you could mark where you would like benches.

According to project manager Sari Knuuti, it is important that people take part in the planning, as the project is promoted based on the residents' wishes. The locals know where benches and lighting are most needed.

"The designers need the residents' help in finding good places. We want to use the money from this OmaStadi project in the best possible way, so that the end result really brings joy and benefit to the residents," says Knuuti.

According to preliminary plans, the contract will be implemented next summer.